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NHL Picks

NHL Futures: Philadelphia Flyers Season Preview

With depth being an unresolved issue bettors are on the wrong side as they continue to pound the 'over' season point total. Find out why Hextall has not done enough to warrant 'over' money and how you can take advantage.

Projected Win Total: 91.5 -110Last Season: 41-27-14 96ptsStandings: Metropolitan Division: 5th / League: 13th (Tied/Lost in six games to Washington, Round one)Team Notes: Flyers finished 22-12-7 in the final 41 games to grab the last WC spot?2016-17 Stanley Cup Odds: +3600 BetOnlineKey Statistic: Steve Mason and Michael Neuvirth had a combined 5 on 5 save percentage of .933 last season

In talking to some Flyer bettors the theme seems to hold true, the number seems too low. The Flyers projected season point total of 91.5 is drop of from last season so people naturally gravitate towards what they last remember and automatically assume the Flyers figure to get better. After all, they managed 96 points after a season-ending flurry that saw them earn 51 points from January 14th on(5th). Remember, this year is a little different because of the expansion draft and both Mason and Neuvirth figure to be on the radar of the Las Vegas (something) Knights so don't assume that either will not be dealt in order for Dave Hakstol's team to avoid losing either in June. That's the challenge and fun of trying to cash futures tickets this season.

In order for the Flyers to match last year's success, at least the second half, they must find a way to be more consistent offensively. Last season Philly averaged 2.57 goals per game, good for 22nd overall. Depth was the main issue as the top line accounted for almost 40% of their scoring. So did Ron Hextall do enough to address their issues? Would that be translated into the NHL odds?

Schenn, Giroux, and Simmonds will once again be the top line but after that it's thin. Second line center Sean Courtier is a nice two-way player but his offensive contributions are minimal. He is not the fastest skater which doesn't bode well in a league where everyone is trying to get quicker. Linemates Michael Raffl and Jakub Voracek combined for 24 goals last season.

They brought in Dale Weiss to play the right wing on the third line but Weiss accounted for just 14 goals, a career high, between Montreal and Chicago last year. Voracek is the wild card as his point total dipped 26 points from 2014-15 to 2015-16. If he can find his scoring touch enough to get back up in the 80 point range the Flyers may be good enough to sneak back in the playoffs.

As of now, the Flyers look like a 90 point team which won't cut in as an at-large entry in the Metro. They will be in the WC race until the end but the 'under' 91.5 is the smart NHL pick here especially at even money.